Virion-incorporated glycoprotein B mediates transneuronal spread of pseudorabies virus

Dusica Curanovic, Lynn W. Enquist

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transneuronal spread of pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a multistep process that requires several virally encoded proteins. Previous studies have shown that PRV glycoprotein B (gB), a component of the viral fusion machinery, is required for the transmission of infection to postsynaptic, second-order neurons. We sought to identify the gB-mediated step in viral transmission. We determined that gB is not required for the sorting of virions into axons of infected neurons, anterograde transport, or the release of virions from the axon. trans or cis expression of gB on the cell surface was not sufficient for transneuronal spread of the virus; instead, efficient incorporation of gB into virions was required. Additionally, neuron-to-cell spread of PRV most likely does not proceed through syncytial connections. We conclude that, upon gB-independent release of virions at the site of neuron-cell contacts, the virion-incorporated gB/gH/gL fusion complex mediates entry into the axonally contacted cell by fusion of the closely apposed membranes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7796-7804
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of virology
Volume83
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Insect Science
  • Virology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Virion-incorporated glycoprotein B mediates transneuronal spread of pseudorabies virus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this